upset

American  

[uhp-set, uhp-set] / ʌpˈsɛt, ˈʌpˌsɛt /

verb (used with object)

upset, upsetting

1. to overturn.

   to upset a pitcher of milk.

2. to disturb mentally or emotionally; perturb.

   The incident upset her.

   Synonyms:

   fluster, disconcert, unnerve

   Antonyms:

   steady

3. to disturb or derange completely; put out of order; throw into disorder.

   to upset a system; to upset a mechanism; to upset an apartment.

   Antonyms:

   steady

4. to disturb physically.

   It upset his stomach.

5. to defeat or overthrow an opponent that is considered more formidable, as in war, politics, or sports.

   Synonyms:

   displace, depose

6. Metalworking. to thicken the end of (a piece of heated metal) by hammering on the end against the length of the piece.

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verb (used without object)

upset, upsetting

1. to become upset or overturned.

noun

1. an upsetting or instance of being upset; overturn; overthrow.

2. the defeat of a person, team, etc., that is considered more formidable.

3. a nervous, irritable state of mind.

   Synonyms:

   disturbance, perturbation

4. a disordered or confused arrangement.

   Synonyms:

   mess

5. Metalworking.

   1. a tool used for upsetting.

   2. something that is upset, as a bar end.

adjective

1. overturned.

   an upset milk pail.

2. disordered; disorganized.

   The house is upset.

3. distressed; disturbed.

   She had an upset stomach. He is emotionally upset.

   Synonyms:

   annoyed, agitated, disconcerted

4. Archaic. raised up.

upset British  

verb

1. (also intr) to tip or be tipped over; overturn, capsize, or spill

2. to disturb the normal state, course, or stability of

   to upset the balance of nature

3. to disturb mentally or emotionally

4. to defeat or overthrow, usually unexpectedly

5. to make physically ill

   seafood always upsets my stomach

6. to thicken or spread (the end of a bar, rivet, etc) by forging, hammering, or swagging

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noun

1. an unexpected defeat or reversal, as in a contest or plans

2. a disturbance or disorder of the emotions, body, etc

3. a tool used to upset a bar or rivet; swage

4. a forging or bar that has been upset in preparation for further processing

adjective

1. overturned or capsized

2. emotionally or physically disturbed or distressed

3. disordered; confused

4. defeated or overthrown

Related Words

Upset, capsize, overturn imply a change from an upright or other stable position to a prostrate one. Upset is a familiar word, applied to simple, everyday actions: to upset a table, a glass of water. Capsize is applied especially to the upsetting of a boat or other vessel: to capsize a canoe. Overturn usually suggests violence in upsetting something supposedly stable: The earthquake overturned houses. All three are used figuratively, also: to upset the stock market; to capsize a plan; to overturn a government.

Other Word Forms

• unupset adjective
• unupsettable adjective
• upsettable adjective
• upsetter noun
• upsetting adjective
• upsettingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of upset

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English: “raised up”; up-, set

Example Sentences

The next night, Santos-Aviles texted a friend, alleging that Aviles was romantically involved with her best friend and expressing that she was upset.

From Salon

"Tourette's can feel spiteful and searches out the most upsetting tic for me personally and for those around me," he explained.

From BBC

Tirion said she felt violated and upset about what could have happened to her.

From BBC

The Norwegian team, based around 200 miles into the Arctic Circle, have forged a reputation for upsets, but on Tuesday night in Milan they produced one of the biggest in Champions League history.

From BBC

However, my relative is very upset, does not want to move and wants to rescind the powers of attorney.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• agitate
• bewilder
• dismay
• distract
• disturb
• perturb
• unnerve
• unsettle